HUD Allocates $1 Billion for Community COVID-19 Relief Efforts
The Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced the allocation of a third wave in CARES Act coronavirus relief funding totaling $1 billion through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.
In a press release, HUD says that to date, it has provided more than $3 billion in CDBG funding nationwide to help communities acutely combat coronavirus and alleviate economic hardship.
The allocation formula uses variables focusing on public health needs, risk of transmission of coronavirus, rate of coronavirus cases, and economic disruption.
Grantees may select from more than 25 eligible CDBG activities to shape their local programs to meet their needs, including:
- A wide range of public services to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, such as providing food and health services for low-income elderly persons and children;
- Small business assistance or emergency housing payments for entities and families impacted by economic and housing market disruptions; or
- Acquisition and rehabilitation of structures for health facilities, food banks, or public improvements needed to support community coronavirus response, preparation, or prevention. For example, grants may assist improvements to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning in a local grocery store to protect employees and shoppers, or alterations to neighborhood business district sidewalks and facades to enable curbside pick-up or social distancing.